Shortlist for female lead for new Star Wars Han Solo spin-off unveiled

Three actresses are on the shortlist to play the female lead in the new Star Wars spin-off about young Han Solo.

Alden Ehrenreich, star of Hail, Caesar and Beautiful Creatures is to play young Han Solo in the much-anticipated new Star Wars spin-off, which is now in pre-production, with attention now turning to the female lead.

According to Variety, three actresses are in the running, Creed's Tessa Thompson, who is currently filming Thor: Ragnarok, Naomi Scott, who star in the forthcoming Power Rangers reboot, and Zoë Kravitz, best known for her role in Mad Max: Fury Road.

Donald Glover, best known for his roles in Community and The Martian, is expected to take the role of young Lando Calrissian.

The movie, which is expected to be called Han Solo: A Star Wars Story, is currently in pre-production with 22 Jump Street directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. It is due to hit cinemas on May 25th in 2018.

A first spin-off, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is due in hit cinemas this Decemer.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray and the Blu-ray is accompanied by a string of bonus features.

It will also include a string of 'making of' features including a focus on the making of BB-8 and the movie's new creatures, a look at the recording of John Williams' score and a feature on the changes made to reboot the Star Wars franchise.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens grossed over two billion dollars at the box office and is available to order on DVD and Blu-Ray on the right-hand side of the page.